In this week’s episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, we dive deep into the power of growth mindset in the classroom, especially for special education teachers. As we head into Thanksgiving week, I want to challenge you to shift your mindset from task-driven to student-focused. Learn how to refocus on the why behind your work and gain practical tips for overcoming the stress and overwhelm of the school year. Plus, get ready for a special offer—my Special Education Bundle is on sale for just $24, and if you use my link, you’ll get three free winter-themed activities to kick off the holiday season.

In this episode you will learn:

• How to embrace a growth mindset and shift from a task-oriented to a student-focused mindset.

• The power of asking yourself the right questions to help you stay grounded in your mission as an educator.

• How to rest, recharge, and refuel during Thanksgiving week to come back stronger for your students.

• A special offer to help you prepare for the holidays and continue empowering your students.

Links and Resources

Special Education Bundle - On Sale Now!Christmas + Winter ActivitiesComprehensive Activities for January in the Special Education Classroom

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Join me as I sit down with Toby Karten, an inclusion facilitator and author, to discuss the critical role of collaboration in special and general education. Discover the common threads that unite diverse student populations and learn practical strategies to enhance inclusive practices in your classroom.

In this episode you will learn:

• The importance of collaboration between special education and general education professionals for student success.

• Common threads in diversified populations and how they relate to inclusive practices.

• Structural elements essential for effective collaboration in inclusive settings.

• How awareness and reflection contribute to successful collaboration among educators, along with real-world examples.

Links and Resources

The ADMIRE Framework for InclusionInclusion Tools Webinars

Connect with Toby

Email TobyInclusion Education Services FacebookInclusion Education Services XInclusion Education Services PinterestInclusion Education Services LinkedInInclusion Education Services Website

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This week I’m sharing low-prep, highly engaging Thanksgiving-themed activities that special education teachers can implement in their classrooms. Make this season a time of gratitude and learning in the easiest way ever! 

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• How to implement gratitude journals in your classroom.

• Create a Thankful Tree to celebrate what students are thankful for.

• Organize a Thanksgiving-themed scavenger hunt.

• Incorporate functional academics through cooking activities.

• Engage students with Thanksgiving-themed crafts and literature.

Listen in to hear about all my favorite activities.

Links and Resources

Holiday T-Shirts for Special EducatorsSpecial Education Fall BundleEpisode 83: How to Have a Student Led Thanksgiving FeastBlog: Engaging Special Education Thanksgiving Activities

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If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

In this episode, we’re joined by Rachel Garcia, a dedicated special education teacher who has developed innovative methods for teaching counting to nonverbal students. Discover how to engage your learners with multisensory techniques, foster communication, and build confidence in their counting skills!

In this episode you will learn:

• Effective modeling techniques for counting.

• The importance of the "inner voice" in counting.

• Encouraging diverse response modalities from students.

• And more!

Links and Resources

Fall Bundle for Math and ReadingExceptional Collective Rachel’s Free Addition Mat

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Rachel’s WebsiteRachel’s YouTube ChannelRachel’s Instagram

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If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

In this final episode of our AAC Awareness Month series, we dive into the practical side of AAC implementation. Learn how to use AAC in everyday classroom routines, troubleshoot common issues, and keep your students engaged with their AAC tools. Discover easy-to-implement tips and tricks that will help you overcome challenges and empower your students to communicate effectively.

In this episode you will learn:

• Quick wins for integrating AAC into daily classroom activities.

• The importance of modeling AAC use for students and peers.

• How to troubleshoot device malfunctions or student resistance.

• Real-life examples of overcoming AAC challenges in the classroom.

Subscribe to Be the Exception so you don’t miss future episodes. If you enjoyed this series, please share it with other educators to raise awareness for AAC in special education!

Links and Resources

Fall Leaves Adapted UnitEngaging Special Education Thanksgiving Activities BlogThe Exceptional CollectiveFREEBIE: AAC Implementation GuideAmazon StorefrontHow to Choose and Customize AAC Tools for Your Students

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If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

This week we are continuing our chats about all things AAC. Last week we covered the basics about what they are and why our students need them.

In this episode, we take a closer look at how to choose and customize AAC tools to fit the unique needs of each student. Learn how to assess your students’ communication needs with help from an SLP, and discover tips for selecting between low-tech and high-tech AAC systems. Plus, get practical ideas for customizing AAC tools to engage and empower your students.

In this episode you will learn:

• How to assess a student’s communication needs with support from SLPs.

• Tips for choosing between low-tech and high-tech AAC tools.

• Examples of how to customize AAC tools to meet specific student needs.

Links and Resources

• Exceptional Collective

• AAC Blog Post

• AAC tools from Amazon

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If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful! 

In this episode, we kick off AAC Awareness Month by exploring the basics of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Learn what AAC is, the types of AAC systems, and why it’s so crucial for non-verbal and minimally verbal students in special education. We’ll also discuss real-life examples of how AAC has transformed the classroom and fostered student independence. 

Don’t miss this foundational episode, and get ready for the next one, where we’ll dive deeper into choosing the right AAC tools.

In this episode you will learn:

• Definition of AAC and its types (unaided vs. aided).

• The importance of AAC for non-verbal and minimally verbal students.

• How AAC empowers students, improves social interactions, and fosters independence.

• Real-life examples of AAC in action.

Links and Resources

Fall Resources for the Special Education ClassroomFREE Sign Language Poster

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Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

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If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

A few years back I set up a coffee cart with my students. I had no idea just how much change and academic growth would come from this one project! 

This week I’m sharing my experience of setting up a school coffee cart. You will discover how this project not only enhances functional academic skills but also builds social and emotional growth among special education students. I’m providing practical tips on how to get started, the benefits of running a coffee cart, and the key elements to ensure its success in your school.

In this episode you will learn:

• Why a school coffee cart is more than just serving coffee—it’s a learning tool.

• How to get administrative approval, plan logistics, and build a team.

•  The impact of a coffee cart on student confidence and community inclusion.

Links and Resources

• Adapted Science and Social Studies Units for Special Education

• How to Set Up a Coffee Cart Blog Post

• Teaching the States of Matter Blog Post

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If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

Cultural competency is all about being able to interact with various cultures. As teachers, this is such a vital thing that has to occur for the success of our students in the classroom. 

In this episode, Alexis shares her insights on integrating cultural competence into the self-contained classroom. With over a decade of teaching experience, Alexis provides actionable strategies for creating an inclusive and culturally aware learning environment.

In this episode you will learn:

• Understanding what cultural competence is and why it matters in special education.

• Effective strategies for learning about students’ cultural backgrounds.

• Key steps to building strong relationships with students and their families.

• The importance of ongoing professional development in cultural competence.

Links and Resources

• 2024 AAC in the Cloud Presentation

Connect with Alexis from the Peachy Speducator

The Peachy Speducator InstagramThe Peach Speducator FacebookThe Peachy Speducator PinterestThe Peachy Speducator ThreadsThe Peachy Speducator TikTok

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Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

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If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

In this episode, I’m diving into effective strategies and resources for teaching science and social studies in a self-contained special education classroom. I’m sharing about the importance of adapted curriculum, hands-on activities, visual supports, differentiation, and fostering a collaborative environment. Discover how my comprehensive Adapted Science and Social Studies Bundle can make your teaching journey more rewarding and impactful.

In this episode you will learn:

• The significance of using adapted curriculum

• Engaging hands-on activities for science and social studies

• The role of visual supports and clear instructions

• Strategies for differentiating instruction

• The benefits of fostering a collaborative learning environment

• How to utilize the Adapted Science and Social Studies Bundle

Links and Resources

Fall Bundle for the Special Education ClassroomScience and Social Studies Bundle for the Adapted Classroom

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Subscribe

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review

If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!